The University of the Free State (UFS) has consistently demonstrated its role as a catalyst for excellence in various sporting disciplines. Recently, four former and two current Kovsie Netball stars - Karla Pretorius, Khanyisa Chawane, Boitumelo Mahloko, Lefébre Rademan (former), and Rolene Steurker and Refiloe Nketsa (current Kovsies) – were chosen to represent the South African netball national team in a test series against 2023 Netball World Cup champions, Australia.
The test series between Australian Diamonds and the Spar Proteas, scheduled for November, marks the first competitive encounter for the South African team following the successful hosting of the World Cup in Cape Town from July to August 2023. Both Pretorius and Chawane played key roles as starters for the Spar Proteas at the World Cup, with Rademan and Nketsa making significant contributions coming on mostly as substitutes.
This talented group of Kovsies earned their spots after a rigorous selection process, following the Proteas’ recent attendance at a three-day training camp in Cape Town, from which a team of 15 players was chosen to travel to Australia.
Burta De Kock, the Kovsie Netball coach, expressed pride in the achievements of the athletes, stating, "As the coach, my duty is to nurture and mould the Kovsie players to be the best individually and as a team. Having so many Kovsies in the team heading to Australia makes me thrilled, and it shows that the system at our university is on the road to success, especially with Karla serving as the vice-captain of the travelling team.”
According to Netball South Africa, the Spar Proteas, departed the country on Monday 16 October, and are set to play three games against their Australian counterparts on 26, 29, and 30 October 2023.
De Kock further remarked, “All the players are now role models, showcasing that hard work pays off. At Kovsies, we are a team that never gives up, no matter what obstacles we face. We give our utmost best, face the uncomfortable, insecure moments, and turn them into our greatest achievements.”
In addition to these netball stars, three other Kovsie sports stars continue to raise the institution’s flag high on the global stage. Devan van Niekerk was recently selected to represent the South Africa under-21 men’s hockey squad at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia from 27 October to 4 November 2023. Elrich Jacobs was selected as part of a national hockey talent group in the 2023/2024 season, and Jamie Henckert represents Namibia at the Africa Hockey Road to Paris 2024 tournament scheduled from 29 October to 5 November 2023.
Credit: KovsieSport Facebook